“This is a bitter blow for the Olympic movement and we are saddened that our sport is implicated. We have taken swift action and removed all offending athletes where doping evidence exists. The ICF will continue its strong zero-tolerance stance and remove all athletes that contravene its rules in anyway.” We are clear that if you step out-of-line you won't make the start line,” said Simon Toulson, ICF Secretary General.

Previously, the Daily Telegraph reported that about 90 percent of Russia’s national team would be most likely banned from the Olympics, as the IOC says the athletes do not meet the selection criteria; the key point is abstaining from the use of doping. President of Russia’ Olympic Committee Alexandr Zhukov urged the international society not to believe this information.

On July 25, the International Swimming Federation suspended seven Russian swimmers from the upcoming competitions.